Letter of the Day: Ifrica deluded in demanding apology from gays

Queen Ifrica is at it again, I saw in The Gleaner where, at a University of the West Indies reggae event, she demanded a public apology from gays and the former People's National Party Government that staged the Grand Gala a few years ago at which she made controversial anti-gay remarks and comments about marijuana.

I don't think Ifrica is smart enough to acknowledge that what she did was inappropriate. There is a time and place for everything. The Gala is part of Jamaica's Independence celebrations, a national event and a family show highlighting our rich history and culture.

Likewise, we would not expect a political statement of any kind to be made at an event such as this.

At UWI Reggae Talk, Ifrica continued to display the same level of ignorance by suggesting that those who defend gays should pay attention to paedophiles who prey on young boys. She may not be aware, but paedophiles are also heterosexuals; in fact, the vast majority are heterosexuals.

If anyone should apologise, it is Ifrica herself for continuing to make ignorant comments in public in an attempt to marginalise others who also have every right to live and exist. Although it was rumoured that her visa was cancelled, this was only a rumour that was subsequently denied by her team. Obviously, the only person who could confirm a visa denial is the person affected or the foreign embassy.

CODE OF ETHIC

The facts remain: Ifrica was dropped from overseas shows by promoters when sponsors became aware and concerned. Ifrica should be very grateful she was allowed to perform at the Reggae Festival in Edmonton, Canada, last year. She did so under strict terms and conditions. This was the same type of code of ethic the then minister of culture pushed for after Grand Gala (which she now wants an apology for).

Interestingly, Ifrica did not cross the line and attack gays during the Edmonton event. If the pink dollar didn't bother or affect her so much, she would not be spending so much time talking about it now.

Ifrica must learn that preaching hate in public spaces is immature and unacceptable, certainly not in the developed world. She should follow other big-name Jamaican acts and keep it professional. She is entitled to her personal views on any topic of course, and this can be expressed in more appropriate settings.

Most people, especially those overseas, don't know or care who Queen Ifrica is; she is far from the level of Bob Marley, so this nonsense about Ifrica being a household name must be a figment of her imagination.